Spiritualteachers.org

Vernon Howard

This is my second attempt at a review of Vernon Howard. I read
his Mystic Path to Cosmic Power (despite the comic book-like title) several times over
the past few years. I found it inspiring, but lacking in practical advice. His New Life
Foundation recommended I read Solved -- The Mystery of Life and listen to the Field
of Diamonds lecture. Once again, although at times inspiring, he left me wondering what
to do to realize the Truth he made so obviously desirable. I wondered if there was a secret
teaching not explained in the books and tapes, but a helpful fellow at the Foundation said
there was no hidden teaching.

Closer examination of the New Life website, however, revealed a series of monthly lessons.
Reminiscent of Gurdjieff/Ouspensky self-observation techniques, they are worth a look. For
example, one exercise has you watch how you are influenced by facial expressions. Another
exercise says:

You can begin to catch your false behavior by asking the question "Who said
that?" and you will catch false personality being pleasant, sarcastic, and so on. As often
as you can, you will interrupt yourself and say "Who said that?" and if it is negative in
any way at all, that is the invented self speaking in your name.

Vernon Howard said that, "The knowledge of human behavior will lead you to God," and I
suspect this summarizes his teaching as well as anything. My path began with the study of
behavior and ways of separating the false behavior in me from the true. I think this an
excellent beginning for a spiritual path, but do not know if it will lead one all the way.

Here are a few quotes to give you some of the flavor of his writings:

Truth is exceedingly close, comforting and strong. Now isn't that a delightful
thought to think about. Since Truth is close and strong, why are you weak? See Truth says
something to you. It says, "I want you to know that when you tremble, I don't tremble."
If you were to bring yourself back to where you should be internally, you would be right with
Truth. It would be your comfort. You need nothing else on earth.

To change what you get you must change who you are.

Fear is caused by our insistent clinging to the false self. As we become
conscious of this, our fears fade fast.

The two shallow substitutes which people unconsciously take as happiness
are activity and acquisition.

One of our greatest enemies is secret resentment. Freedom begins as we become
conscious of it.

There is no adventure in life as great and as wonderful as discovering the
New Life.

Vernon Howard died in 1992. Like P.D. Ouspensky, he is a good beginning on the spiritual
path.
His teaching is more fiery than that of Ouspensky and easier to read. The New Life Foundation,
based in Arizona, continues his work. I recommend investigating their well-done website
-- complete with audio clips. Take a look at:www.anewlife.org/

Here's some video, not great quality, but interesting:

If you like Vernon Howard, then take a look at Guy Finley's site. Finley studied with
Vernon Howard and looks to be carrying on a similar teaching,
but is not connected with the New Life Foundation:www.guyfinley.com